Think Big - Boyd CAT's Technical Training Program

 

    Helping the next generation and creating a skilled workforce is something on the forefront of everyone's minds in skilled trades.  Boyd CAT was founded in 1913 and they have created a robust training and career program to train young people committed to working for them called Think Big.

The Think Big program is a heavy equipment technical training program where students attend Illinois Central College (ICC).  The Think Big program involves rotating semesters of school work at ICC and in-person hands-on training at Boyd CAT for two years.  During these two years, Think Big program students learn to work on Caterpillar equipment and engines as well as take general classes of math, science and English.



 During the hands-on training semesters, the Think Big students are working at their home Boyd CAT branch where they get to help in the shop and put the skills they have learned to work while also completing an internship checklist for ICC.  Students are assigned their own work and jobs to complete but have a team and supervisors around them to help answer questions and provide guidance.  At the completion of the program, students have earned an Associate’s degree in Applied Science and are also offered a full-time position with Boyd CAT based on their full completion of the program requirements.  Boyd CAT assists with each students’ tuition, based on their grades and also pays students during their co-op semesters.  At the completion of the program and meeting all the program requirements, students can earn a tool voucher based on their final grades and are also offered a competitive career with Boyd CAT.  


Graduates of the Boyd CAT Think Big program currently working at Boyd CAT are in positions such as Shop Technician, #1 Shop Technician, Field Technician, Service Supervisor, Service Manager, General Service Manager, Product Support Sales Representative, and On Highway Sales Representative.  Some students have gone on to complete a four-year degree as well.  Through the Think Big program students have the opportunity to graduate with an Associate’s degree, debt free, and earn a competitive wage in a career they are passionate about.

Contributed by:

AIMEE JOHNSON

 

VICE PRESIDENT STRATEGIC SERVICES
BOYD COMPANY

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